Curated OER
Cut-Off Genes
Young scholars explain the concept of gene sequence analysis. In this gene lesson, students draw inferences about phylogenetic similarities of different organisms.
Curated OER
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Students explore how PCR works through various activities. In this biology lesson, students explain how PCR generate copies of DNA. They simulate the process using an online interactive website.
Curated OER
Gel Electrophoresis
Students conduct a variety of experiments to explore gel electrophoresis. In this biology instructional activity, explain how this process separate DNA and RNA. They discuss the practical applications of this method.
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Molecular Genetics of Color Mutations in Rock Pocket Mice
Can you identify mutations just by viewing DNA sequences? Scholars apply prior knowledge of DNA sequences to do just that in an engaging activity. They transcribe and translate genes, thus identifying the locations of mutations. Then,...
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Microarray Manufacturing Technology
Microarray technology has made advances in scientific research possible. Watch as the videos reveal the manufacturing process of these microarrays. One video shows the automated process while another explains the science behind the...
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Biodiversity and Evolutionary Trees
Compare what shells look like on the outside with what makes that happen on the inside. Scholars begin by sorting an various seashells by their physical characteristics into phylogenetic trees. They then conduct a DNA comparison of...
Curated OER
The Human Genotype
Six different chromosome activites introduce biology aces to heredity, chromosomal abnormalities, sex-linked traits, and the human genome. The hands-on activites are fairly simple for the teacher to prepare and will prove to be both...
Curated OER
Protein Synthesis
In this protein synthesis instructional activity, students use a given strand of DNA to write the complimentary base pairs. They transcribe the message to the RNA and then they translate the message into the proper amino acids using the...
Curated OER
Science Lesson: Chocolate Flavored Cherries
Young scholars are able to identify start and stop sequences in DNA. They are able to model using restriction enzyme and ligase to remove sections of DNA and reattach them. Students are introduced to the process of recombinat DNA...
Curated OER
Games and Activities to Teach Molecular Genetics
Students demonstrate a working knowledge of cell interactions such as DNA replication, protein synthesis (transcription and translation), through active participation in a cooperative group.
Curated OER
Comparing mtDNA Sequences to Learn about Human Variation
This computer-based lesson will enable students to test their notions of "racial" similarity and difference by comparing mtDNA sequences as the students do in the first episode of RACE - The Power of an Illusion.
Curated OER
Genetic Analysis
Students formulate a hypothesis regarding the validity of the current status of the Arizona Hedgehog cactus as a distinct variety of cactus. They design a procedure to isolate DNA from the tissue of plants, given a list of chemicals and...
Curated OER
RNA Worksheet
In this RNA learning exercise, students determine the function of mRNA and tRNA and create an mRNA strand from a given DNA strand. Students describe and compare the 3 types of RNA. This learning exercise has 1 drawing, 2 fill in the...
Curated OER
Protein Synthesis Activities
Learners participate in a teacher-guided activity to teach about protein synthesis. Student roles include one person as the DNA molecule, another is a single stranded sequence of complementary mRNA.
Curated OER
Protein Synthesis
In this protein synthesis worksheet, students identify the proper amino acids given the mRNA codons. They also identify the mRNA codon given the DNA code and the amino acid it codes for. Students answer questions about protein synthesis.
Curated OER
Proteins from Plants to People
Students participate in a scientific activity to identify the building blocks for proteins (amino acids) that are needed to grow. They identify foods that contain proteins, how they are digested and rearrange the building blocks. They...
Curated OER
Forensic Files
Students create a model of DNA and relate it to the differences between individual people in their nitrogen base sequences. They analyze a crime scenario in which they perform several different types of tests.
Curated OER
Create A DNA Fingerprint
Young scholars engage in a lesson that is about the DNA molecule and focuses upon the sequencing of proteins to identify individuals. They conduct research using a variety of resources and then complete the activities included in the 3...
Curated OER
DNA Blueprint for Life
Students isolate DNA from different food sources. In this biology instructional activity, students research DNA extraction. They analyze DNA stands collected from the lab, and compare the differences between each.
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Central Dogma and Genetic Medicine
Scientists work every day to find solutions to genetic diseases. Scholars learn about the process of gene sequencing, mutations, and the results. They explore genetic diseases and therapies to intervene and help and, through case...
Curated OER
Nucleic Acids Worksheet
In this nucleic acids worksheet, students answer twelve questions about DNA and RNA and their structures. They also identify bases in a sequence of DNA that would be transcribed.
Curated OER
Molecular Evidence for Evolutionary Relationships
Students compare the amino acid sequences in cytochrome-c for a variety of organisms and use this information to infer evolutionary relationships. They investigate the role of homeobox genes and what this indicates about the evolution of...
Curated OER
Whose DNA Is That?
Students investigate the use of technology in order to identify different sequences of amino acids by using online web tools. They enhance problem solving skills with amino acid identification skills and strengthening comfort with using...
Curated OER
Comparison of Four-, Six-, And Eight-bp Cuts in Calf Thymus Dna
Students investigate the use of restriction enzymes to recognize a four-, six-, and eight-nucleotide sequence. They utilize restrictive endonucleases to cut Thymus DNA and compare results by viewing the DNA fragments on Agarose Gel...